October 31, 2014

You may have seen my recent note on instagram about going full-time with design. This has been a goal of ours for quite awhile, and it's wonderful and amazing and still feels a bit surreal. I've been doing a lot of processing and praying about the concept of transition...so stay tuned for a post on that! In the meantime, my home office was seriously overdue for some love. For real.

The room doubles as a guest bedroom, and is not large…at all. I'm also not willing to put money into it at the moment. Given that I'll be spending a good portion of every day here, I knew it was important to have a spot that served a few purposes:

- Needs to be pretty and welcoming. (I'm a fairly visual person. ;))

- Organization and storage! The current piles (and piles and piles) are not cutting it.

- Inspires me.

I couldn't face another work day without making some significant improvements, and I was motivated. So, I "shopped" the basement (and closets and above-mentioned piles) to see what I could find.

I'm making progress! After moving furniture around for a more open layout, I freed up an entire wall (where the storage will go). It feels AWESOME to have just a few functional, pretty areas in the room already! A pretty inspiration board is like a breath of fresh air to me. And a cozy, welcoming place to sit when I need a break from my desk. Progress!! As for the storage plan…I have a temporary solution in the works - one that is much, much better than what I've been living with. I hope to finish this weekend and will share when it's complete.

If you're interested in working together to make your home a place you love, please contact me for

more information at katiegaviganinteriors@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!

October 27, 2014

Hi and happy Monday! I've been working with a wonderful family on the plans for this room which will service multiples purposes including family room, home office and occasional guest room! We've finalized the larger pieces and are now ready to fill in with art, lighting and accessories. Fun! I'm recommending they keep things mostly neutral while incorporating the blue in their existing rug, which we're keeping. They already own the desk and armchair as well. The loveseat is custom sleeper sofa (using the above image as inspiration) in a navy velvet-like microfiber. It's going to be gorgeous!!

With so many different purposes being served in this room, as well as the amazing and rather grand architecture (it's jaw-dropingly beautiful!), I want to keep things sophisticated and streamlined. Anything too crazy would compete with the awesome architectural elements. At the same time, we're blending husband and wife's tastes and preferences. (One leans more traditional; the other more modern with a touch of artsy.)

Opposite the fireplace wall, there's a long, blank wall. The husband's desk as well as the media console will live here. The art needs to not only fill the wall but also bring balance to a large TV. Again, while not being too overpowering! I provided two suggested gallery wall collections. The first is more subdued and calm. The second keeps with the neutral color story while leaning just a tad edgier by incorporating a couple of modern pieces along with hits of black. Or, as you see in the above design board, they could choose to keep things more minimalist and go with one single piece over the desk.

October 23, 2014

Recently, I decided it was time to do something about our dining room chairs. I had intended to paint them months ago and it just hadn't happened yet. I had purchased them at a thrift store at 50% off, so although they weren't my favorite finish, they were too good to pass up. The above photo was taken a few months ago, and you can kind of see the lovely faux finish.

The funny thing was that we also had this tray table tucked in the corner with a similar finish! I decided to tackle both projects at once. It's from Pier 1 many years ago, and we call it our "orchid table" because it's typically drowning in orchids. (I'm not exaggerating - my husband loves orchids and can't bear to part with any, in case they decide to bloom someday. :)) Matte black was the treatment this table received. I'm sorry to not have an 'after' photo to share just yet, as it was pulled immediately into the Christmas wonderland of my Home Depot Holiday Style Challenge shoot -- more on that soon! Back to the chairs...

Everything was moved out to the deck for a day o' painting. Please note that it was approximately 150 degrees on our deck on this particular day. Okay, maybe 95…but hot. However, I was determined and not going to let a little sweat and scorching sun slow me down. After a light sanding, they were sprayed. (Also, if you don't have one of these and plan to do any spray painting at all, please go out and get one! One of the best $3 purchases you can make. Seriously saves your hand from cramping and twitching and discomfort!)

I knew I wanted a cobalt-ish shade… and this gloss navy fit the bill. Something classic enough, but just a tad unexpected. Blue is basically a neutral for me - I use it all the time. I knew it would go well with everything in our home currently and down the road. It just works. Also, I couldn't bring another brown or black tone into the room -- between the floor, huge banquette, wood console table…I was craving color!

I LOVE how they turned out. Love, love, love. This photo represents a very 'in progress' shot - I was playing around with art and accessories - but you can see how the chairs look with the main pieces. And, that "tablecloth" is actually a bedskirt I picked up at a thrift store! A couple of safety pins strategically placed, and we have a lovely skirted table. :) It feels so great to finally have the chairs painted!!

If you're interested in working together to make your home a place you love, please contact me for

more information at katiegaviganinteriors@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!

Welcome!

I believe that everyone can have a home they love, and am passionate about helping others get there! I'm grateful to live in amazing San Francisco with my husband where we also serve on staff together at the most exciting church you've ever been to.